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How To Appeal If You Are Denied For Mortgage Debt Restructuring Help
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How To Appeal If You Are Denied For Mortgage Debt Restructuring Help
Dealing with mortgage debt can be really overwhelming. Like, I totally get it if you applied for help restructuring your mortgage debt and got denied. That has gotta be super frustrating and confusing trying to figure out what to do next. Just know there are options if your application got rejected. I wanted to give you a quick rundown on how the appeal process works, in case it could help provide some legal support.
Understanding Why You Were Denied
The first step is understanding why your application was denied in the first place. There can be a few common reasons:
- Insufficient Income – Lenders want to see you have enough income to afford the modified monthly payments. If your income is too low, they may deny the application.
- Poor Payment History – Most programs require you to have made some payments on time in the recent past. If you have missed a lot of payments, it can cause a denial.
- Ineligible Mortgage Type – Not all mortgages qualify. Typically only primary residences or owner-occupied homes with conforming loans are eligible.
- Application Errors – Sometimes denials happen because of errors or incomplete information on the application itself. Going back to fix mistakes can help.
It’s important to review the denial letter the lender sent and understand the exact reasons given. That will help craft an effective appeal.
Timing Your Appeal
There are some timing considerations to understand when submitting mortgage assistance appeals:
- Appeal Period – Most programs give you 30 days from the date of denial to submit an appeal. Act fast to meet the window.
- Foreclosure Timelines – If you received a denial right before a scheduled foreclosure sale, you may be able to request a postponement while making your appeal.
- Modification Processing Times – Even if approved on appeal, it can take 45-60 days to get your modification finalized. Account for processing times.
Meeting appeal deadlines is critical, so don’t delay in putting together your case. You want time to gather documentation and write a compelling appeal letter.
What To Include In A Mortgage Assistance Appeal
Here are some tips on what to include when drafting an appeal for denied mortgage relief:
1. Cover Letter
- Explain Circumstances – Detail any special circumstances like job loss, medical issues, death in family, etc. that caused prior missed payments or credit damage.
- Show Change In Situation – If the reason for denial related to income or payment history, highlight positive changes to your situation and ability to pay going forward.
- Correct Any Application Errors – If the denial was due to application errors or incomplete docs, clarify the correct info in your letter.
2. Proof Of Income
- Recent Pay Stubs – Provide updated proof of your current income with copies of your 2 most recent pay stubs.
- Bank Statements – Submit two months of bank statements showing income deposits to back up the pay stub amounts.
- Tax Returns – If self-employed, supply IRS Form 4506-T signed and the last two year’s tax returns.
3. Hardship Documentation
- Medical Bills – If health issues contributed, include corresponding medical bills and expenses.
- Job Loss Paperwork – Provide any notices of unemployment or severance packages.
- Death Certificate – If a death in family impacted finances, supply a copy of the death certificate.
4. Housing Counseling Certification
- Certificate Letter – Enrolling in housing counseling shows a commitment to getting back on track with payments. Supply certification that you completed counseling.
5. Improved Credit Report
- Updated Credit Report – Order a new copy of your credit and highlight any positive changes since the initial application, like balances paid down.
The more supporting evidence you can provide around the reason for denial, the better your chances on appeal.
Sample Appeal Letter
Here is an example appeal letter you can use as a template:
Date
Lender Name and Address
Regarding: Appeal for Mortgage Assistance Denial for [address]To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing regarding the recent denial of my application for mortgage assistance on my home at the address shown above. I have reviewed the reasons for the denial outlined in your letter dated [date]. While I understand your concerns, I believe I have additional information that demonstrates my eligibility and merit for a modification.
Explain the circumstances that caused your financial hardship and prior missed payments.
As outlined in my original application, I fell behind on payments after [job loss/medical issues/death in family/etc.]. At the time, I did not have sufficient income or savings to cover my mortgage. Now, thankfully, my situation has improved. Provide details on how your situation has changed for the better. I have obtained a new job, recovered from illness, etc.
Correct any actual errors or clarify ambiguities on the initial application.
Additionally, I believe there may have been some inaccurate information provided with my initial application that I would like to take the chance to clarify and correct here…[explain application errors and provide correct info].Make your case for why you qualify and can afford the modified payment.
With the attached documentation verifying my income and the other evidence presented, I hope you reconsider your decision and find that I do meet all eligibility requirements and stand a good chance of successfully making payments on a modified mortgage. I have also completed housing counseling to help prepare myself better as a homeowner.
Please let me know if any other information is needed or would further demonstrate why I am an ideal candidate for mortgage debt restructuring assistance. I look forward to hearing your reconsideration of my qualification and eligibility. You can reach me at [phone] or [email] if you have any other questions. Thank you for your time reviewing my appeal.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Getting Legal Help With The Appeal Process
If your mortgage denial appeal gets rejected again or you just want professional guidance, consider connecting with a legal aid lawyer or attorney that specializes in housing issues. They can review your case and help put together an air-tight appeal. Here are some options to find affordable help:
- HUD Housing Counseling Agencies – Connect with certified housing counselors in your state for free advice and legal assistance.
- Legal Aid Organizations – Low income families can qualify for free legal representation from civil legal aid societies and lawyers.
- Lawyer Referral Services – Local state bar associations run referral services to connect consumers with lawyers at discounted rates.
- Law School Clinics – Many university law schools provide pro-bono legal help through student-run clinics under attorney supervision.
Don’t get too discouraged if your first mortgage restructuring request gets denied. Use the appeal process to plead your case and get qualified legal help making your arguments. With some persistence and a clearly documented application, many homeowners do end up getting approved. Wishing you the very best of luck!
Resources
Videos Explaining the Appeal Process
- How to Write a Mortgage Assistance Appeal Letter
- Tips for Appealing Denied Loan Modification Requests